Police told to enforce law without fear or favour for June 30 marches
Cachalia said the SAPS was not being deployed to prevent lawful demonstrations, but to ensure they took place safely, securely and in an orderly manner.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has assured South Africans that law enforcement officers will protect the constitutional right to protest while taking firm action against any criminality during the planned June 30 marches.
Addressing police officers during a State of Readiness Parade in Durban on Sunday, Cachalia said the South African Police Service (SAPS) was not being deployed to prevent lawful demonstrations, but to ensure they took place safely, securely and in an orderly manner.
“As law enforcement officers, our role is not to take sides in any public debate. Our role is to uphold the Constitution, enforce the law without fear, favour or prejudice, and ensure that public order is maintained,” he said.
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Cachalia reminded officers that they were responsible for protecting both the rights of demonstrators and those of residents, businesses and commuters in affected communities.
He stressed that police must act professionally, exercise restraint and remain within the confines of the law at all times.
“Professionalism, discipline and restraint are not optional—they are fundamental to policing in a constitutional democracy,” he said.
At the same time, Cachalia warned that police would act decisively against anyone who used the protests as an opportunity to commit crimes.
“Criminal conduct, regardless of who commits it or under what banner it is committed, must be dealt with firmly and lawfully,” he said.
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He urged officers to remain vigilant throughout Tuesday’s operations, saying public gatherings could change rapidly and that good planning, communication and coordination would be essential.
“The public will judge not only the outcome of Tuesday’s operations, but also the manner in which you conduct yourselves,” Cachalia said.
He thanked members of the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies for their service and wished them a safe and successful operation as they prepare to police demonstrations across the country.
